Brushless DC Motor for Teaching; Outreach and Curriculums: Initiatives for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) in STEM

Author:
Judge, Mary, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia

Advisors:
Powell, Harry, EN-Elec/Computer Engr Dept, University of Virginia
Norton, Peter, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia

Abstract:

Engineering education has a bidirectional interrelationship with the broader university environment. The relationship was analyzed by focusing on outreach, curriculums and school culture. A controllable electrical motor was developed to encourage active learning in a power electronics course.

Despite their role in establishing a deep rooted understanding of power electronics, the concepts of electromagnetism can be hard to learn. Many students struggle grasping and visualizing field theory while exploring motor designs and applications. This barrier to understanding electromagnetism spurred a UVA professor’s desire for a brushless DC motor (BLDC) that demonstrated course concepts. The design and testing procedures for the BLDC motor to be used in UVA’s power class and lab section were outlined. The interdisciplinary use of this motor, and other motors governed by the same electromagnetic principles, will produce electrical engineers with motor design proficiency in the workforce and beyond.

How are American universities increasing the diversity of STEM students they release into the workforce, higher education, and beyond? In the past five years, universities in the United States used various outreach and curriculum methodologies to promote IDEA principles within their institutions’ culture, classrooms, and broader communities. The social, psychological, and structural culture in universities’ STEM programs influence students’ union of their personal and academic identities. The reviewed research examined different techniques outreach and class structure impacted university students, teachers, professors, and community members.

Degree:
BS (Bachelor of Science)

Keywords:
Power Electronics, Power Engineering, Engineering Education, STEM Education, Diversity